Profile

soybeanGlycine max

The soybean (Glycine max) is an annual plant from the legume family, cultivated worldwide for its protein-rich seeds. It requires a long, warm growing season and prefers sunny locations with well-draining soil. Soybeans are nitrogen-fixing, thus improving soil quality. Harvest occurs in autumn when the pods are dry. The seeds are versatile after thorough processing but are indigestible raw.

soybean (Glycine max): plant portrait for plant portrait - Legumes, legume family, Harvest September - October
soybean: plant portrait. harvest: September - October.

Quick profile

Key data

Harvest

September - October

Water

medium

Good neighbors

CornCucumberCabbage

Avoid

OnionGarlicBean

Growing data

soybean Growing data

Seed depth

2 - 3 cm

Plant spacing

10 - 15 cm

Row spacing

40 - 60 cm

Germination temp

10 - 25 °C

Sowing and germination

Seed depth2 - 3 cm
Germination temp10 - 25 °C
Germination time7 - 14 days
Seed viability1 - 3 years
Light germinatorNo
Dark germinatorNo
Cold germinatorNo
Stratification neededNo
Pre-soaking recommendedNo
Direct sowing possibleYes
Pre-culture recommendedNo

Planting and spacing

Plant spacing10 - 15 cm
Row spacing40 - 60 cm
Plants per m²10 - 20 per m²
Bed widthfrom 60 cm
Spacing3 plants per square foot

Temperature and site

Soil temperature10 - 15 °C
Growing temperaturefrom 15 °C
Optimal temperature20 - 30 °C
Frost sensitiveYes
Late frost sensitiveYes
Heat tolerancemedium
Cold tolerancelow

Water, nutrients and care

Watermedium
Critical water phasesflowering, pod development
Watering methodat the base
Droughtmedium
Waterlogging sensitiveYes
Mulching recommendedYes
Nutrient neednitrogen_fixer
Compost recommendedYes
Fertilizer sensitivitylow

Container, support and growth

Container suitableNo
SupportNo
Height40 - 100 cm
Width20 - 40 cm
Root depth30 - 60 cm
Yield0.1 - 0.5 kg

Year plan

soybean Calendar

All plants
Indoor sowingDirect sowingPlantingHarvest

Indoor sowing

No data

No indoor sowing recommended.

Direct sowing

May - June

Sow only after the last frosts and when the soil has warmed sufficiently.

Planting

No data

Direct sowing is preferred.

Harvest

September - October

Harvest when pods are dry and beans are hard.

Year plan
  1. Sow soybeans
  2. Continue sowing or care for young plants
  3. Pest and disease control
  4. Ensure adequate watering
  5. Begin harvest
  6. Continue harvest

Growing

soybean Site, soil and care

Spacing

10 - 15 cm

Storage

Dried soybeans can be stored well.

Soybeans require a long, warm growing season and are frost-sensitive. Sow only after the last frosts and when the soil has reached at least 10°C. Ensure adequate plant spacing for good air circulation. Regular, but not excessive, watering is important, especially during flowering and pod development. Avoid waterlogging. As a legume, soy needs little nitrogen but benefits from phosphorus and potassium. Harvest when pods are dry and beans are hard. Raw seeds are indigestible and must be cooked or processed.

Pruning

soybean Pruning

not_applicable

Goal

not_applicable

Tools and hygiene

Not applicable for annual herbaceous plants.

Companion guide

soybean Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

CornCucumberCabbage

Avoid

OnionGarlicBean

Health

Pests, Diseases

Pests

Soybean aphid

Small, green to yellowish aphids that colonize the underside of leaves and young shoots, sucking plant sap.

Spider mites

Tiny arachnids that form fine webs on leaves and suck plant sap. They prefer dry, warm conditions.

Bean seed beetle

Small beetles whose larvae infest the seeds within the pods. Adult beetles may also feed on leaves and flowers.

Diseases

Soybean rust

A fungus that causes leaf spots, leading to premature defoliation. It favors humid conditions and warm temperatures.

Downy mildew

A fungus that causes yellowish spots on the upper leaf surface and a gray to purplish mold growth on the underside. Humid conditions favor its spread.

Bacterial blight

A bacterial disease causing small, angular, dark brown to black spots on leaves, often with a yellow halo. Can also affect stems and pods.

Deficiencies

Molybdenum deficiency

Molybdenum is essential for nitrogen fixation by root nodule bacteria. Deficiency leads to poor nitrogen supply to the plant.

Phosphorus deficiency

Phosphorus is important for energy transfer, root development, and flowering. Deficiency slows growth and impairs yield formation.

Plant health

FAQ

When is the best time to sow soybeans?

Sowing should only occur after the last frosts, when the soil temperature is consistently at least 10°C. This is typically from mid-May through June.

Can soybeans be grown in pots?

Soybeans are generally not well-suited for container growing, as they develop a deep root system and require a certain amount of space. For home use, other legumes like bush beans are better suited.

Why are my soybean leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves can be due to several causes: nitrogen deficiency (if nodulation is poor), waterlogging, overly acidic soil, or diseases like soybean rust. A soil test or closer examination of the plant can help determine the cause.

Are raw soybeans edible?

No, raw soybeans are not edible and can be harmful to health, as they contain trypsin inhibitors and other anti-nutrients. They must be cooked, roasted, or fermented before consumption to break down these substances.

Related plants

Pea

Same familySame crop groupSimilar nutrient needsSimilar water needs

Both belong to the Fabaceae family (legumes).

Both are legumes and are grown for their seeds.

Common bean

Same familySame crop groupSimilar nutrient needsSimilar water needs

Both belong to the Fabaceae family (legumes).

Both are legumes and are grown for their seeds.

Lentil

Same family

Both belong to the Fabaceae family (legumes).

Sources

Public sources

  1. Wikidata entity

    Wikidata · 2026-05-15

  2. GBIF species match

    GBIF · 2026-05-15

  3. Trefle API species data

    Trefle · 2026-05-15

  4. Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Sojabohne

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-15

  5. English Wikipedia: Soybean

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-15

Details

More public plant data

Names
Common

soybean

Plural

soybeans

BotanicalGlycine max
Botanical author(L.) Merr.
Scientific synonyms
  1. Soja max
  2. Phaseolus max
  3. Phaseolus sordidus
Synonyms
  1. soya bean plant
  2. soybean plant
  3. soy bean plant
  4. soy plant
  5. soy
  6. soya
  7. soybeans
  8. Glycine max
Common synonyms
  1. soy bean
  2. soybean
  3. soya bean
Regional names
Historical names
Market names
  1. Soy
Misspellings
Search terms
  1. soybean
  2. soy
  3. Glycine max
Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
Clades
  1. Tracheophytes
  2. Angiosperms
  3. Eudicots
  4. Rosids
OrderFabales
Family botanicalFabaceae
Family

legume family

Family idfabaceae
SubfamilyFaboideae
GenusGlycine
SpeciesGlycine max
Hybrid statusnot_hybrid
Classification
Main groupLegumes
Sub groupSoybeans
Crop groupOilseed
Life cycleAnnual
Perennialno
Woodyno
Treeno
Shrubno
Edible parts
  1. seeds
  2. beans
Nutrient groupProtein
Calendar
Sowing indoor
Notes

No indoor sowing recommended.

Sowing outdoor
Months
  1. 5
  2. 6
Earliest month5
Latest month6
Notes

Sow only after the last frosts and when the soil has warmed sufficiently.

Planting out
Notes

Direct sowing is preferred.

Harvest
Months
  1. 9
  2. 10
Earliest month9
Latest month10
Notes

Harvest when pods are dry and beans are hard.

Month tasks
5
  1. Sow soybeans

6
  1. Continue sowing or care for young plants

7
  1. Pest and disease control

8
  1. Ensure adequate watering

9
  1. Begin harvest

10
  1. Continue harvest

Month tasks structured
5
  1. TaskSow seeds outdoors
    Label

    Sow soybeans

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 5
    ConditionSoil temperature at least 10°C, no frost risk
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Sow into well-prepared soil.

6
  1. TaskContinue sowing or care for young plants
    Label

    Continue sowing or care for young plants

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 6
    ConditionOngoing growth
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Resow if needed or remove weeds.

7
  1. TaskPest and disease control
    Label

    Pest and disease control

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 7
    ConditionVisible signs of pests or diseases
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Regularly check for signs of pests or diseases.

8
  1. TaskEnsure adequate watering
    Label

    Ensure adequate watering

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 8
    ConditionDry weather, flowering or pod development
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Especially important during flowering and pod development.

9
  1. TaskBegin harvest
    Label

    Begin harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 9
    ConditionBeans are mature and pods are dry
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Harvest ripe beans. Pods should be dry.

10
  1. TaskContinue harvest
    Label

    Continue harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 10
    ConditionRemaining beans are mature
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Harvest remaining beans. Allow to dry further in dry weather.

Book content
Overview

The soybean (Glycine max) is an annual plant from the legume family, cultivated worldwide for its protein-rich seeds. It requires a long, warm growing season and prefers sunny locations with well-draining soil. Soybeans are nitrogen-fixing, thus improving soil quality. Harvest occurs in autumn when the pods are dry. The seeds are versatile after thorough processing but are indigestible raw.

Structured month tasks
5
  1. TaskSow seeds outdoors
    Label

    Sow soybeans

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 5
    ConditionSoil temperature at least 10°C, no frost risk
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Sow into well-prepared soil.

6
  1. TaskContinue sowing or care for young plants
    Label

    Continue sowing or care for young plants

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 6
    ConditionOngoing growth
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Resow if needed or remove weeds.

7
  1. TaskPest and disease control
    Label

    Pest and disease control

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 7
    ConditionVisible signs of pests or diseases
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Regularly check for signs of pests or diseases.

8
  1. TaskEnsure adequate watering
    Label

    Ensure adequate watering

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 8
    ConditionDry weather, flowering or pod development
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Especially important during flowering and pod development.

9
  1. TaskBegin harvest
    Label

    Begin harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 9
    ConditionBeans are mature and pods are dry
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Harvest ripe beans. Pods should be dry.

10
  1. TaskContinue harvest
    Label

    Continue harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 10
    ConditionRemaining beans are mature
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Harvest remaining beans. Allow to dry further in dry weather.

Cultivation specs
Seed
Seed depth cm min.2
Seed depth cm max.3
Light germinatorno
Dark germinatorno
Cold germinatorno
Stratification neededno
Pre soaking recommendedno
Germination temperature c min.10
Germination temperature c max.25
Germination days min.7
Germination days max.14
Seed lifespan years min.1
Seed lifespan years max.3
Direct sowing possibleyes
Pre culture recommendedno
Spacing
Plant spacing cm min.10
Plant spacing cm max.15
Row spacing cm min.40
Row spacing cm max.60
Recommended density per sqm min.10
Recommended density per sqm max.20
Min. bed width60 cm
Square foot gardening spacing3 plants per square foot
Spacing notes

Ensure adequate air circulation between plants.

Growth dimensions
Height cm min.40
Height cm max.100
Width cm min.20
Width cm max.40
Root depth cm min.30
Root depth cm max.60
Growth speedmedium
Final size notes

Growth height varies significantly by variety.

Temperature
Min. growing temperature15 °C
Optimal temperature c min.20
Optimal temperature c max.30
Max. heat tolerance35 °C
Soil temperature for sowing c min.10
Soil temperature for sowing c optimal15
Frost sensitiveyes
Late frost sensitiveyes
Heat tolerancemedium
Cold tolerancelow
Temperature notes

Requires a long, warm growing season.

Water
Water needmedium
Critical water phases
  1. flowering
  2. pod development
Drought tolerantno
Drought sensitivitymedium
Waterlogging sensitiveyes
Mulching recommendedyes
Water notes

Consistent moisture is important, avoid waterlogging.

Nutrition
Nutrient groupnitrogen_fixer
Heavy feederno
Medium feederyes
Light feederno
Nitrogen needlow
Phosphorus needmedium
Potassium needmedium
Calcium needmedium
Magnesium needmedium
Compost recommendedyes
Mulching recommendedyes
Fertilizer sensitivitylow
Nutrition notes

As a legume, soy fixes nitrogen from the air. However, it requires sufficient phosphorus and potassium.

Container
Container suitableno
Drainage requiredno
Repotting neededno
Container notes

Soybeans are generally not well-suited for container growing.

Support
Needs supportno
Support recommendedno
Climbingno
Viningno
Trellis recommendedno
Training requiredno
Support notes

Most varieties do not require support.

Cultivation modes
Outdoor bed suitableyes
Raised bed suitableyes
Container suitableno
Balcony suitableno
Greenhouse suitableno
Polytunnel suitableno
Indoor suitableno
Windowsill suitableno
Hydroponic possibleno
Permaculture suitableyes
No dig suitableyes
Yield density
Yield per plant min.0.1
Yield per plant max.0.5
Yield unitkg
Yield per sqm min.0.5
Yield per sqm max.2
Yield reliabilitymedium
Yield notes

Yields can vary greatly depending on variety, climate, and care.

Site
Location

Sunny to partially shaded

Wind protectionrecommended
Notes

Prefers a warm, sheltered location.

Soil
Type
  1. loamy
  2. sandy loam
  3. humus-rich
PH min.6
PH max.7.5
Soil fertilityhigh
Drainagegood
Notes

Loose, well-draining, and nutrient-rich soil is ideal. Avoid waterlogging at all costs.

Watering
Water needmedium
Frequency

Regularly, especially during dry spells

Method

Best at the root zone to prevent fungal diseases.

Notes

Promote consistent soil moisture, but avoid waterlogging.

Nutrition
Fertilizer needmedium
Fertilizer type
  1. organic
  2. balanced
Application timing

Before sowing and during the growing season as needed

Notes

As a legume, soy requires little nitrogen but benefits from phosphorus and potassium. Compost is beneficial.

Cultivation planning
Succession sowing
Possibleno
Bed planning notes

Soybeans are good predecessors for many vegetable types.

Rotation prioritymedium
Interplanting potentiallow
Mechanization relevancehigh
Crop rotation
Notes

Soybeans are good predecessors for many vegetable types as they enrich the soil with nitrogen. Avoid planting legumes immediately after.

Rotation prioritymedium
Interplanting potentiallow
Bed planning notes

Soybeans are good predecessors for many vegetable types.

Deficiencies
Molybdenum deficiency
Slugmolybdenum_deficiency
Name

Molybdenum deficiency

Description

Molybdenum is essential for nitrogen fixation by root nodule bacteria. Deficiency leads to poor nitrogen supply to the plant.

Symptoms
  1. Pale, yellowed leaves, especially younger ones
  2. Reduced nodulation on roots
  3. Stunted growth
Management
Organic
  1. Anwendung von Mo-haltigen Düngern (z.B. Natrium- oder Ammoniummolybdat) in sehr geringen Dosen.
  2. Boden-pH-Wert optimieren (Molybdän ist bei höherem pH-Wert besser verfügbar).
Conventional
  1. Anwendung von Mo-haltigen Blattdüngern oder Bodendüngern.
Prevention
  1. Soil analysis to determine molybdenum content.
  2. Cultivate on soils with sufficient molybdenum.
Notes

Molybdenum deficiency often occurs on very acidic soils.

Phosphorus deficiency
Slugphosphorus_deficiency
Name

Phosphorus deficiency

Description

Phosphorus is important for energy transfer, root development, and flowering. Deficiency slows growth and impairs yield formation.

Symptoms
  1. Dark green to bluish-green leaf coloration
  2. Purple discoloration of stems and petioles (especially in young plants)
  3. Reduced root development
  4. Slower growth
Management
Organic
  1. Anwendung von organischen Phosphatdüngern wie Knochenmehl oder Thomasschlacke.
  2. Bodenverbesserung mit Kompost.
Conventional
  1. Anwendung von Superphosphat oder anderen P-haltigen Mineraldüngern.
Prevention
  1. Soil analysis to determine phosphorus content.
  2. Ensure adequate phosphorus supply before sowing.
Notes

Phosphorus is often poorly available in the soil, especially in cool temperatures or at high pH.

Problems
Lodging
Sluglodging
Name

Lodging

Description

The bending or falling over of plants due to wind, rain, or overly dense growth. This hinders harvesting and can lead to rot.

Causes
  1. Starke Winde
  2. Starke Regenfälle
  3. Hohe Stickstoffdüngung (fördert schnelles, schwaches Wachstum)
  4. Zu dichte Aussaat
  5. Sorten mit schwacher Standfestigkeit
Management
Organic
  1. Sortenwahl mit guter Standfestigkeit.
  2. Angepasste Stickstoffdüngung.
  3. Optimale Aussaatdichte.
  4. Anbau von Stützfrüchten oder Windschutz.
Conventional
  1. Einsatz von Wachstumsregulatoren (seltener bei Soja).
Prevention
  1. Choose a sheltered location.
  2. Avoid over-fertilization.
  3. Adhere to recommended sowing density.
Notes

Lodging is particularly problematic for varieties with long, thin stems.

Poor nodulation
Slugpoor_nodulation
Name

Poor nodulation

Description

Insufficient or absent formation of nitrogen-fixing nodules on the roots. This leads to nitrogen deficiency in the plant.

Causes
  1. Saurer Boden (pH < 5.5)
  2. Mangel an Molybdän oder Kobalt
  3. Hohe Konzentrationen von leicht verfügbarem Stickstoff im Boden
  4. Ungünstige Bodentemperaturen
  5. Fehlende oder inaktive Rhizobien-Stämme im Boden
Management
Organic
  1. Boden-pH-Wert korrigieren (Kalkung).
  2. Anwendung von Molybdän-haltigen Düngern.
  3. Impfung des Saatguts mit spezifischen Rhizobien-Stämmen, falls der Boden arm an diesen ist.
Conventional
  1. Anwendung von stickstoffhaltigen Düngern (als Notlösung, da dies die Knöllchenbildung weiter unterdrückt).
Prevention
  1. Perform soil analysis.
  2. Maintain soil pH in the optimal range (6.0-7.0).
  3. Inoculate seed if necessary.
Notes

Inoculation with rhizobia is particularly important in soils where legumes have never been grown or not for a long time.

Problem management
Common pest groups
  1. Aphids
  2. Spider mites
  3. Beetle larvae
Common disease groups
  1. Fungal leaf diseases
  2. Bacterial leaf diseases
  3. Rust diseases
Prevention principles
  1. Variety selection: Prefer more resistant varieties.
  2. Crop rotation: Maintain at least a 2-3 year break for legumes.
  3. Site selection: Warm, sunny, and well-ventilated location.
  4. Soil care: Loose, well-draining soil with optimal pH (6.0-7.0).
  5. Plant health: Ensure adequate nutrient and water supply to strengthen plants.
  6. Field hygiene: Remove crop residues and weeds.
  7. Regular monitoring: Early detection of pests and diseases.
Diagnosis notes

Diagnosing problems in soybeans often requires careful examination of symptoms on leaves, stems, and roots. Consider environmental conditions and the field's cultivation history.

Disease graph
Scopesoybean
Profiles
  1. Slugsoybean_rust
    Severityhigh
    Conditions
    1. High humidity
    2. Warm temperatures
    3. Moist leaf surfaces
    Affected parts
    1. Leaves
    2. Stems
    Prevention
    1. Plant resistant varieties
    2. Good ventilation
    3. Field hygiene
    4. Avoid waterlogging
    Organic control
    1. Remove infected material
    2. Copper-based fungicides (limited effectiveness)
  2. Slugdowny_mildew
    Severitymedium
    Conditions
    1. High humidity
    2. Cool, damp nights
    3. Prolonged leaf wetness
    Affected parts
    1. Leaves
    Prevention
    1. Plant resistant varieties
    2. Adequate spacing
    3. Good ventilation
    4. Avoid waterlogging
    Organic control
    1. Remove infected material
    2. Plant extracts (e.g., garlic, neem)
  3. Slugbacterial_blight
    Severitymedium
    Conditions
    1. Wet weather
    2. Cool temperatures
    3. Leaf contact from rain or irrigation
    Affected parts
    1. Leaves
    2. Stems
    3. Pods
    Prevention
    1. Use certified seed
    2. Crop rotation
    3. Field hygiene
    4. Adequate spacing
    Organic control
    1. Remove infected material
    2. Copper-based sprays (limited effectiveness)
Diagnostic rules
  1. Symptom

    Small, reddish-brown spots on leaves, often with a yellow halo, and pustules on the leaf underside.

    Possible causes
    1. soybean_rust
    First checks
    1. Check the underside of leaves for pustules.
    2. Note the weather conditions (humid, warm).
  2. Symptom

    Yellowish spots on the upper leaf surface and gray to purplish mold on the underside.

    Possible causes
    1. downy_mildew
    First checks
    1. Examine the leaf underside in humid weather.
    2. Look for signs of wilting.
  3. Symptom

    Small, angular, dark brown to black spots on leaves, often with a yellow border.

    Possible causes
    1. bacterial_blight
    First checks
    1. Check for angular spots limited by leaf veins.
    2. Note periods of wet, cool weather.
Prevention strategy
Cultural
  1. Choose disease-resistant varieties.
  2. Practice good crop rotation (at least a 2-3 year break for legumes).
  3. Ensure adequate spacing and good ventilation.
  4. Avoid waterlogging and keep leaves dry.
  5. Keep the field clean of crop residues and weeds.
Monitoring
  1. Monitor plants regularly for early signs of disease, especially during wet weather.
  2. Look for typical symptoms such as leaf spots, discoloration, or mold growth.
Organic first response
  1. Remove and destroy infected plant parts immediately.
  2. Apply organic fungicides (e.g., copper or sulfur-based) as needed, following instructions.
  3. Improve overall plant health through appropriate watering and nutrition.
Notes

Prevention is key to disease management in soybeans. A combination of resistant varieties, good cultivation practices, and careful monitoring is most effective.

Diagnosis
Approach

Start with a visual inspection of the affected plant parts. Look for specific symptoms such as spots, discoloration, pests, or growth abnormalities. Consider the plant's growth stage and current environmental conditions (temperature, humidity). Compare symptoms with known pests and diseases. If uncertain, a soil test or consultation with an expert may be helpful.

Common issues
  1. Yellow leaves

  2. Spots on leaves

  3. Visible pests (e.g., aphids, spider mites)

  4. Stunted growth

  5. Missing or small beans

Diagnostic tools
  1. Magnifying glass for examining pests and leaf structures.

  2. Soil test kit to check pH and nutrient levels.

  3. Reference images of diseases and pests.

Notes

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for selecting the correct control measures. Do not confuse nutrient deficiencies with diseases or pest infestations.

Phenology
Stages
  1. Germination: 7-14 days after sowing
  2. Vegetative phase: Until flowering
  3. Flowering: Begins approx. 4-8 weeks after sowing
  4. Pod development: After flowering
  5. Maturity: Approx. 90-150 days after sowing, depending on variety
Notes

The growing season varies greatly depending on the variety and climate. Early-maturing varieties are better suited for cooler regions.

Flowering pollination

The flowers are mostly white to purple and self-pollinating, but can also be visited by insects.

Harvest

Harvest takes place in autumn when the plants are dry and the beans are hard.

Harvest details
Harvest frequency

Single harvest at the end of the season when the beans are ripe.

Harvest indicators
  1. Yellowing and drying of leaves
  2. Dry, brittle pods
  3. Hard, non-flexible beans inside the pods
  4. Plants begin to shed their leaves
Post harvest handling

After harvesting, allow the pods to dry until they split open completely or the beans can be easily removed. The beans must be thoroughly dried to prevent storage losses.

Storage

Dried soybeans can be stored well.

Storage details
General storage category

Dry, cool, and dark

Storage life

With proper storage (dry, cool, airtight), they can last for several years.

Processing options
  1. Drying
  2. Pickling (after cooking)
  3. Fermenting (e.g., tempeh, miso)
  4. Grinding into flour
Processing use

Soybeans are extremely versatile and can be processed into a variety of products, including tofu, soy milk, soy sauce, tempeh, miso, and soybean oil. They are also used as animal feed.

Kitchen usage

Soybeans must be cooked or processed before consumption, as they contain toxic substances when raw. Cooked beans can be used in stews, salads, as a side dish, or as a base for vegetarian dishes. Edamame (young, immature soybeans) are a popular snack vegetable.

Safety and edibility
Edible parts
  1. Seeds (after processing/cooking)
Inedible or caution parts
  1. Raw seeds (contain trypsin inhibitors and other anti-nutrients)
Toxicity notes

Raw soybeans contain trypsin inhibitors, which can interfere with protein digestion, as well as other anti-nutrients. These are largely destroyed by cooking, roasting, or fermentation.

Raw consumption

Not recommended. Raw soybeans are difficult to digest and can be harmful to health.

Seed saving

Soybeans are self-pollinating, which simplifies seed purity. However, it is important to ensure varietal purity when working with hybrids or aiming to preserve a specific variety.

Seed saving advanced
Isolation distance5 m
Seed cleaning

After harvesting, separate the beans from pod debris and contaminants. Allow to dry thoroughly until moisture content is below 12%.

Seed storage

Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry, and dark place. Viability is maintained for 1-3 years.

Notes

To ensure varietal purity, seeds should be collected from at least 10-20 healthy plants. Watch for pest infestation during storage.

Woody crop details
Rootstock relevancenot_applicable
Renewal pruning relevancenot_applicable
Notes

Soybeans are annual herbaceous plants, not woody varieties. Therefore, details regarding woody varieties, rootstocks, pruning, and training systems are not applicable.

Ecology
Pollinator valuelow
Wildlife valuelow
Biodiversity notes

As a legume, the soybean contributes to nitrogen fixation and improves soil structure, which can indirectly promote soil biodiversity. However, it offers limited benefits to pollinators or other wildlife compared to native plants.

Practical notes

Soybeans require a long, warm growing season and are frost-sensitive. Sow only after the last frosts and when the soil has reached at least 10°C. Ensure adequate plant spacing for good air circulation. Regular, but not excessive, watering is important, especially during flowering and pod development. Avoid waterlogging. As a legume, soy needs little nitrogen but benefits from phosphorus and potassium. Harvest when pods are dry and beans are hard. Raw seeds are indigestible and must be cooked or processed.

Seasonal content
Spring

In spring, it's time to sow soybeans as soon as the soil is warm enough. Pay attention to the correct soil temperature and avoid frost.

Summer

In summer, care focuses on adequate watering, weed control, and monitoring for pests and diseases, especially during flowering and pod development.

Autumn

Autumn is harvest time for soybeans. Plants are harvested when the pods are dry and the beans are hard.

Winter

In winter, the soybean rests. Harvest can be processed and stored. The soil can be prepared for the next season.